RoadTrip: Virginia’s Scenic Byways

I-95 doesn’t have to be a long, boring drive… You’re a little ahead of schedule and you’ve got a few extra hours, so what’s your hurry? Why not take a side trip? Get off the Interstate and discover the real America… small towns, scenic coastlines, historic communities and some of the east coast’s most enjoyable roadtrips.

Virginia’s scenic roadways – highlighted by the Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial Parkway and The Journey Through Hallowed Ground provide history and views.

Virginia’s four National Scenic Byways provide groups perfect venues for history lessons and accessible inroads into the great outdoors. An additional 2,500 miles of road around the state are designated as Virginia scenic byways.

Carved into mountainsides, the parkway travels between summits and gaps that once sheltered homesteaders for 470 miles, from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.

Scenic pull-offs are windows onto long vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and give access to more than 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from half-mile leg-stretchers to the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail.

Washington once rode this route on horseback, and his Mount Vernon home is a logical beginning for groups large and small. A walking tour through his hometown of Alexandria combines Colonial-era buildings and hip shops and eateries. As it follows the Potomac River shoreline, travelers soak in spacious views of the capital’s monuments, memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

The journey ends at the falls of the Potomac, a great photo stop. The park preserves ruins of the Patowmack Canal, an intriguing footnote to the legacy of its biggest promoter, none other than George Washington.

Colonial Parkway

Long stretches of this roadway travel beneath the cool canopy of old Virginia forest, then break out onto expansive views of the James and York rivers.

Interpretive signs chart a 23-mile journey spanning four centuries and three American originals: Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown – the beginning, middle and end of the Colonial period.

Walk the ground where a New World began at Jamestown. A new visitor center, expanded parking and galleries make it even easier for large groups to visit. And don’t miss the galleries at Historic Jamestowne. Step inside recreated buildings at Colonial Williamsburg, bringing the 18th century colonial capital vividly to life. End the journey on hallowed ground at Yorktown Battlefield, site of the British surrender that poignantly ended Colonial rule.

Skyline Drive

The 105-mile ridge-top parkway through Shenandoah National Park is a road trip of Blue Ridge vistas and craftsman-like stone arches. Motorcycle clubs thrive on the roller-coaster climbs and bends (be sure to obey the 35-mph speed limit). The park has some 500 miles of trails, with many trail heads just steps from scenic pull-offs. Guided outdoor adventure programs take groups into the wilderness by day and to National Park historic lodges by night. And just off Skyline Drive: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Luray Caverns.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground

Approximately 66 miles of U.S. Rte. 15 from the Potomac River in Loudoun County to Orange have been designated an official Virginia Byway. The byway is part of the four-state, 175-mile Journey Through Hallowed Ground corridor from Gettysburg, Pa. to Thomas Jefferson’s Albemarle County home, Monticello, near Charlottesville.

For more I-95 information, visit www.i95exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to America’s Interstate Main Street. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida!

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From Our Highway Gourmet…

Location: I-95, exit 86. Ashland, Virginia We recently stumbled upon a great little diner located in a little strip mall not far from I-95, exit 86 in Ashland. The Rise and Shine Diner serves breakfast and lunch all day. Lots of homestyle cooking, including excellent home-made desserts. Everyday of the week they offer two lunch … Continue reading Rise and Shine Diner – Ashland, VA→

From Our Great Overnight Stops…

What makes Jacksonville, FL a great overnight stop? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnite stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a … Continue reading Jacksonville, FL (I-95, Exit 341)→

From Our CityGuides…

Hardeeville is a small southern town with the distinction of being at a major travel crossroads… I-95 and US 17. More than just another of the hundreds of nondescript exits, Hardeeville is home to nearly 1200 motel rooms and dozens of restaurants. It’s also a central location when visiting Carolina’s “Low Country”. Recently announced plans … Continue reading Hardeeville, South Carolina→

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